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Lansford police investigate reported predator

A nonprofit organization that exposes online child predators confronted a Lansford man Saturday morning outside borough business about his communication with a decoy posing as a 15-year-old girl.

814PredHunters confronted and video-recorded a 28-year-old Lansford man at the Friendly Mart on East Patterson Street, where he reportedly planned to meet a teen for sex, according to the video and release the organization put on social media.

The man has not yet been charged by police, so the Times News is withholidng his name.

“For three months, (the man) communicated with an 814PredHunters decoy, posing as a child, and tried on numerous occasions to arrange a meet up with them,” the release states.

“After (he) went to the gas station to attempt meet the child, Lansford Police were called and immediately responded,” the release said.

The organization said his cellphone was taken by police as evidence and he voluntarily went to the police station for questioning

Lansford police Officer Josh Tom is seen at the end of the 28-minute video talking to the man, who identified himself for the officer.

Tom also told the man he was not under arrest, but asked him to come back to the station to talk to them, the video showed. Tom also asked the man from 814PredHunters for his identification as well.

The accused man is reportedly an employee of the Panther Valley School District, working in the elementary school cafeteria and with the after-school SHINE program, according to the release and video.

“We are aware of a video circulating on social media involving an individual employed within our cafeteria and Shine Program. The allegations in the video are extremely concerning,” Superintendent Dave McAndrew said in a statement released Saturday.

“Upon becoming aware of the matter, we immediately began working with local law enforcement and appropriate authorities to gather information and ensure that all necessary procedures are followed,” the superintendent said.

The employee is no longer assigned to duties involving students while this matter is being reviewed, McAndrew said, and the district will not have any further comment due to an ongoing investigation.

“The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority, and we will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement,” he said.

Lansford police Sgt. Shawn Nunemacher, who serves as the officer in charge, said that it’s an active investigation. The department will be processing all the information, including the interview, and will file any appropriate charges.